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Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Qatar Airways have each detailed changes to their route networks over the past year following the release of their financial results. The airlines, often referred to as the Middle East big three, reported expansions in destinations served and fleet growth despite ongoing challenges such as aircraft delivery delays.
Etihad Airways announced a net profit of AED1.7 billion ($462.8 million) for its last fiscal year, highlighting a 32% increase in passenger numbers to 18.5 million. "In 2024, the airline expanded its operations to over 1,700 weekly flights and increased frequencies on 25 routes over the past two years," said an Etihad representative. The carrier introduced more than 20 new destinations including Boston, Jaipur, Bali, and Nairobi.
The airline also expanded its fleet by adding 12 aircraft. This included several second-hand A321neos from Bamboo Airways and new Boeing 787-9s. New services were announced for cities like Addis Ababa through a joint venture with Ethiopian Airlines and Charlotte Douglas International Airport starting May 2026.
